The issue was raised by Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, the SNP MP for Ochil and South Perthshire, after a male Tory MP accused the SNP of not mentioning that it would have been independence day in Scotland, moments after she had made that exact point.

Ms Ahmed-Sheikh told the chamber: "I am not quite sure where the hon. Gentleman was during business questions, when I specifically made reference to that.

"Perhaps it speaks to the fact that Members of this House, particularly Conservative Members and particularly those of the male sort, do not listen when women are speaking. How about starting from today?"

Chancellor George Osborne delivering his Budget statement to the House of CommonsCredit:
Jessica Taylor/UK Parliament

Ms Laing replied: "I wish I could correct the hon. Lady, but her observation that it is often the case that the male kind of person does not listen when the female is speaking is, indeed, correct. With persistence, we will overcome that."

She added that seniority rules, which sees MPs who have served the longest time in parliament called to speak first in debates, naturally favour men.

Jess Phillips MPCredit:
Yui Mok/Yui Mok

"Ken Clarke MP for example always speaks first while chamber is full, but by time I or other women speak, the chamber is empty", she said.

"It is a problem that disproportionately affects women because our numbers have only increased in past 10 years."

Tulip Siddiq, the Labour MP for Hampstead and Kilburn, said she has been "shocked" by the way male MPs have treated her during debates.

The sun rises behind The Elizabeth Tower, also known as 'Big Ben' on the day British Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne delivers his budget in London on March 16, 2016Credit:
JUSTIN TALLIS/Getty Images

She said: "I remember during the Donald Trump debate, I was shocked at the way certain male MPs responded to me while I was speaking.

"It was like being back at primary school. Some rolled their eyes, others jeered and one stood up after my speech and sarcastically told me he was sure Trump was quaking in his boots.